Microsoft Internet Explorer 9 RC Released

Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 is looking promising and today they just unleashed the RC (release candidate) version for all to download. This RC build is considered feature complete meaning that it pretty much resembles the final release except for some additional bug fixes. This release includes a customizable Tracking Protection feature, a more streamlined interface, and overall improved performance.

When it comes to the interface, IE 9 has a more svelte header area and features a "One Bar"–an all-in-one search and address bar similar to that of Google's Chrome. The tabbed area, however, is aligned with the One Bar which may be a nuisance for folks who like to open a dozen tabs at the same time as they would have to either drag the tabs into a second row or shrink the width of the One Bar.

As for security and performance features, IE9's new Tracking Protection is essentially the same as the previous InPrivate Filtering feature except with added functionality. It will automatically block tracking cookies, but also can be customized to block only the ones you select.

Improved support for HTML5, CSS3, and geolocation is also included in this release along with the ability to pin web apps to the taskbar.

[Via Download Squad]